10 Books to Read with your Book Club
Not sure what to read for your next book club meeting? For my Book Club Journal (which was published earlier this year) I wrote 20 themed reading lists that can spark inspiration for what your next read could be. I wanted to share some of the recommendations with you here, so I’ve selected 10 of the themes and suggested a book of each of them. There’s a mix of serious, fun, exciting and educational and you should be able to find a good fit!
What makes a good book club read?
While you can go in pretty much any direction when it comes to picking book club books, I think some of the following points are helpful to keep in mind:
They are well-known enough that people have possibly heard about them before, which makes them excited to start reading.
The book contains themes that are relevant to the group, or to current cultural conversations (from issues on the news to film adaptations).
The books shouldn’t be extremely hard to get through. Picking a shorter or very readable book ensures that everyone will be able to finish it on time. Maybe leave War & Peace for your personal reading list!
Make sure that the book is accessible to everyone in your group: check if they’re available at the library, second-hand, in paperback or as an audiobook, so avoid brand new releases when you can.
Any books that I’ve received from publishers for review have been marked with *. All books are linked to Bookshop.org with affiliate links.
A classic rewritten
Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
The mesmerizing story of Antoinette Cosway shines a different light on the madwoman in the attic in Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre. This can also be read if you’re only vaguely familiar with the story of Jane Eyre, and it’s certainly one that will spark conversation. It’s short and intense, and has remained with me every since I read it at university.
Coming of age
Oranges are Not The Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson
Join a young girl as she comes to terms with her sexuality while living in a strict religious environment. Funny, heartbreaking and totally unique. I’ve also seen it recommended as the favourite books of quite a few authors, and made me eager to read more of Jeanette’s work.
Memoir
Educated by Tara Westover
A story so unbelievable it reads like fiction, chronicling the life of a young girl growing up with her family in rural Idaho, as they prepare for the end of the world. This is a great book for readers who are interested in cults, but it’s worth checking out the content warnings before selecting this one.
Out of this world
The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
Join a diverse crew of characters on a space adventure on the Wayfarer A must-read for fans of space operas and the TV show Firefly. Becky Chambers writes incredibly accessible and inclusive Sci-fi and it’s a great place to start for readers who aren’t super familiar with the genre.
A short book for busy readers
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
A quirky short book about 36-year-old Keiko, who lives in Tokyo and has been working in the same supermarket for the past 18 years. A beautiful entry-point for translated fiction and a mega bestseller!
Grief
The Discomfort of Evening by Marieke Lucas Rijneveld*
A Dutch bestseller and 2020 International Booker Prize winner set in a small town, about a tragic accident and sudden death of a brother, narrated by a young girl living in her own world. (This one also requires a quick content warning check as it’s very intense and dark.)
Secret societies
The Secret History by Donna TartT
This modern classic follows five students at a New England college, who slowly lose touch with reality after a horrific chain of events. Dark and irresistibly compelling and the perfect book club read, especially in the autumn or winter months.
Poetry
The Girl Aquarium by Jen Campbell*
A bold and mesmerizing collection about girls, bodies, nature, beauty and fairy tales by award-winning poet, short story writer and disability advocate Jen Campell.
Murder and mystery
My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Sinister and funny, detailing the misadventures of two sisters, one of whom can’t seem to stop murdering her boyfriends. But when Ayoola moves on to the next boyfriend and starts dating Korede’s crush, the situation gets even more complicated.
Book to screen
Emma by Jane Austen
Perhaps the Austen novel that divides readers the most, featuring the rich and spoiled Emma Woodhouse, who can’t help but meddle in the lives of the people that she meets. Why not read the book and watch the latest adaptation for your discussion!
Want to hear about some of the books (and a few extra suggestions) in more detail? Here’s the video with book club suggestions I created to celebrate the release of my Book Club Journal.
If you end up reading any of these with your book club, or have you own suggestion to add, please leave a comment below!
